Rapid urbanization and political liberalization is changing the nature of African politics and societies. This book develops a framework for the study of democracy and development that emphasizes informal institutions and the politics of belonging in the context of daily life, in contrast to the formal and electoral paradigms that dominate the social sciences. Based on fifteen months of field research including ethnographic observation, focus group interviews, and original quantitative survey analysis in Ghana, this book intervenes in major debates about public goods provision, civic participation, ethnic politics and democratization, and the future of urban sustainability in a rapidly changing world. By developing new understandings of democracy, as well as providing novel explanations for good governance and development in poor urban neighborhoods, the book transcends the narrative of a failing and corrupt Africa and charts a new way forward for the study of democracy and development
Friendship is regarded as crucial to living a good life. But how does friendship make our lives better? Do all friendships make our lives better? What sorts of interactions are necessary for maintaini
Welfare, Meaning, and Worth argues that there is more to what makes a life worth living than welfare, and that a good life does not consist of what is merely good for the one who lives it. Smuts defen
This book is written for all students of the Early Years. It begins by examining the role of a parent in a child's life and the importance of good working relationships between parents and Early Years
A Netflix Original series!The third book in the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling series, with over 7 million copies in print!"Terrifyingly fun! Delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs."--Jeff Kinney, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Diary of a Wimpy KidJack’s friends make a startling discovery: they may not be the last kids on earth, after all. This is great news for everyone… except Jack. Once they’ve found other humans, his friends won’t stick around for long! Jack’s only hope for keeping things the way they are is to prove that everything here is perfect, life is crazy fun, and nothing else could be any better. After all, they live in a mind-clobberingly cool tree fort, speed through town playing real-life Mario Kart, have a crew of monster buddies, and battle zombies on the regular. That's as good as it gets!One problem: it’s hard convincing his friends that everything is great when they’re being hunted by a monstrous Nightmare King and a
A bright, beautiful self-care book filled with positive affirmations, appealing illustrations, and interactive exercises that will remind readers to be mindful, kind, and “twinkletastic”A trending Ins
An empowering handbook on how to have candid conversations around race and become a better advocate, written by a Black woman and a white woman who ask and answer 20 common, uncomfortable-but-critical questions about racism.Many people struggle to have honest conversations about race, even those who consider themselves allies or identify as anti-racist. For anyone who wants to have better, more productive discussions, COURAGEOUS DISCOMFORT is an empowering handbook that teaches you how to do just that.In these pages, authors (and best friends), Shanterra McBride, who is Black, and Rosalind Wiseman, who is white, discuss their own friendship and tap into their decades of anti-racism work to answer the 20 uncomfortable-but-critical questions about race they get asked most often, including:• Should I see color?• I'm a good person―how can I be racist?• What if I say something wrong?• What kind of apology makes a difference?These 20 questions-as-chapters invite you into the conversation wit
Race and civil rights in 1963 Los Angeles provide a powerful backdrop in Gary Phillips’s riveting historical crime novel about an African American forensic photographer seeking justice for a friend—perfect for fans of Walter Mosley, James Ellroy, and George Pelecanos.Los Angeles, 1963. African American Korean War veteran Harry Ingram earns a living as a news photographer and occasional process server: chasing police radio calls and dodging baseball bats. With racial tensions running high on the eve of Martin Luther King’s Freedom Rally, Ingram risks becoming a victim at every crime scene he photographs. When Ingram hears about a deadly automobile accident on his police scanner, he recognizes the vehicle described as belonging to his good friend and old army buddy, a white jazz trumpeter. The LAPD declares the car crash an accident, but when Ingram develops his photos, he sees signs of foul play. Ingram feels compelled to play detective, even if it means putting his own life
This little book has 365 pieces of advice, something for every life moment. Think of it like an oracle deck, a Magic 8 Ball, and an irreverent tarot reading all in one book.Have you ever needed an affirmation from someone who's been there? A too-real observation from your bestie? A calm voice to center your thoughts? Open this book of 365 pieces of advice to reveal what you need to hear right now.• Not sure what to do? Say yes to more cheese.• Feeling burned out? You are worth more than your productivity.• Need some uplifting words? Good news, you're perfect.Crack this book open at random or flip through the colorful pages until you find the one that feels right. Keep the words with you throughout the day. Come back to them for answers, a moment of clarity, or a quick chuckle.EASY INSPIRATION: Flip to a random page to find a dose of happiness, some kindness, or quirky quip to motivate you throughout the day.COLOFUL GIFT: A chunky package with colorful pages throughout, this book is per
The One and Only Ivan meets Pax in this charming illustrated middle grade novel about one stray cat's search for shelter, acceptance, and courage.If you're reading this, I don't trust you.You see, humans are sometimes kind to me. Some sweet ladies say hi to anyone they meet on the street. One human always saved me bakery treats.But just as often, humans are not kind to those like me―stray cats. Many people think I'm dirty (which I am not). Some think I'm a nuisance, to be kicked or played with.My mother taught me to be cautious, thoughtful, and kind. I am good at those things.But she also taught me to be brave. And that's something I needed a lot of help with.If you're gentle and you don't move too quickly, I'll tell you about it. How I met Danielle. How three sparrows showed me the way. How Chester changed my life. And how I became brave.Are you ready?For city strays, life on the streets can be unforgiving. When every day is filled with territorial animals, fast-moving traffic, and ag
NOW A HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE! Love is like a perfect recipe You never want to lose it.Years ago, Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were engaged and dreaming of opening a restaurant together. Then he chose an opportunity to study in Paris over the small-town life they'd planned, and their romance came to a bittersweet end. But Kelly's doing fine. She's not only the owner of a potbellied pig named Gray, but also of her own bakery. Business is goodso good that she's invited to compete in a Valentine's Day bake-off. As she prepares for the contest, she tries not to get distracted by Andrew's visit to town. When Andrew sees Kelly, it stirs up his old feelings. Little does he know that soon, in New York, he'll compete against her in the bake-offand they'll both realize how much their past is a part of them still. This irresistible romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Creme Fraiche.
When a pretty house flipper with wanderlust and a hit Youtube channel hires a charming, small-town landscaper, he tries to convince her to finally plant roots.Ready for her next challenge, house flipper and YouTube sensation Maggie Nichols arrives in Kinship, Idaho, with only a cot and a coffeemaker, to bring a crumbling eighteen-room Victorian mansion back to life in four months, five tops. At least, that's the idea until she meets tall, charming landscaper Silas Wright.Maggie hates distractions from her mile-long to-do list. Even if the distraction looks really good shirtless. Now not only does she have a determined suitor on her hands, there's her half-sister who shows up on her doorstep with a toddler and a big ask. And her ex-husband Dean and Silas's stepbrother who start to a explore a romantic relationship of their own. Not to mention a treasure hunt for hidden gold.Silas is confident he'll win in the end and isn't above playing dirty. He's constantly distracting Maggie with thi
Now more than ever, our teenagers need to be reminded of all that is good in their lives. These 101 true stories of teens for teens serve as that reminder, and will leave them feeling better about their present, and their future. In Chicken Soup for the Soul: Attitude of Gratitude for Teenagers, teenage readers will learn how gratitude, even in the most challenging situations, can change their lives for the better. These 101 real-life stories show teens how to see their lives from a new perspective: through a lens of gratitude. These stories of thankfulness, mindfulness, appreciation for family and friends, doing the right thing, resilience, making best efforts, and doing good deeds for others are sure to encourage the good values and behavior that we wish for them. Teenagers will feel less alone and more empowered as they read about other teens who have faced the same ups and downs in their own lives. Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA and each book includes
NOW IN PAPERBACK: Turn your sensitivity into a superpower with these proven strategies to regain your confidence at work, reclaim control of your life, and reach your full potential.Are you a sensitive striver? Often feel "not good enough?" Take things too personally? Judge yourself harshly? Struggle with burnout and setting boundaries? Highly sensitive and high performing? Being highly attuned to your emotions, environment, and the behavior of others can be the keys to success, but they can also lead to overthinking everything and burnout. Human behavior expert and executive coach Melody Wilding identifies this problem and gives the nuanced reader profile a name―"sensitive strivers." Drawing on the latest research and work with clients, she examines the intersection of sensitivity and achievement and the challenges that come along with it in the workplace, and offers neuroscience-based strategies readers can use to reclaim control of their lives and reach their full potential.FOR READ
A collection of post-colonial visions for a more just world.What does a just world look like? This volume begins with a planet beset by accumulating crises―environmental, social, and political―and imagines how we can move beyond them. Drawing on the legacy of post-colonial struggles for liberation, Imagining Global Futures explores a range of radical visions for a world after neoliberalism and empire. Centered on movements in the Global South, the collection challenges dominant patterns of social and political life and sketches more just and sustainable futures we might build in their place. What can we learn from alternative conceptions of the good life? How can we build a world where people are both freer and more equal? An urgent resource for collective imagination, Imagining Global Futures counterposes thick visions of a better world to our dystopian present.
"Feel good fiction [is] at its finest" (Susan Wiggs) in this New York Times bestselling author's new series, where after years of putting her family first, Genevieve Prentice is making a fresh start―but it’s never easy to leave the past behind. Widowed young, Genevieve Prentice dedicated her life to raising her four children. Now, though, they’re all grown and scattered to the wind, and Genevieve is ready for a change. In a flash of inspiration, she puts her home on the market and heads to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, to renovate a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister. But just as they begin, Genevieve gets the shock of a lifetime: the arrival of her son.Jake Prentice built a career out of being dependable, one that left him perennially stressed and overworked. Finally heeding his mother’s words of wisdom, he’s quit his job and is ready to find out what truly makes him happy. And now, as he stands surrounded by open sky and fresh, pine-scented air, he’s got no regrets . . . until f
How do you love the people in your life who are hard to love?We’re never going to be able to prevent people from saying or doing things that hurt our feelings. We will always have opportunities to get offended. But if we do things God’s way, we can choose to save ourselves a lot of misery and hardship. This doesn’t mean we allow people to abuse us. No, there is a time for confronting people and dealing with situations. However, the Bible commands us to love our enemies and forgive those who have wronged us, even when it feels impossible.Everything the Lord asks us to do in the Bible is ultimately for our good. In fact, when we choose to love our enemies and forgive those who have hurt us, we are actually helping ourselves more than anyone else. Because whatever the Lord commands us to do, He is going to give us the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it―and that includes loving and being good to difficult people! God’s love flowing through us is strong enough to melt even the hardes
How Can You Win at Life? What does a winning life look like? And how can you get there? They key is focusing on what matter most. The choices you make every day based on your values are what define you. And define your life. Make the right ones, and you are a winner. And here’s the good news: they’re not rocket science. Anyone can make them. Internationally bestselling author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell shares twelve everyday choices that you can make today and every day. They will help you master what matters so that you can have a better life.About Maxwell MomentsMaxwell Moments is an innovative new line of derivative books unlike any other Maxwell books in the marketplace. They will look and feel fresh, appealing to a younger and more innovative audience while delivering the time-tested Maxwell message of hope, personal growth, leadership development, and success. Titles in the Maxwell Moments series will be single-concept books in a creative format, chock full of wisdom,
From New York Times bestselling author Jeff Abbott, an exciting new thriller in which undercover agent Sam Capra must capture the last American traitor.Sam Capra and his thirteen-year-old son, Daniel, are living a quiet life in Austin, Texas, where Sam continues to run his collection of bars and nightclubs around the world. He's had no recent contact with his former partner, Mila, and is working for America's most secret espionage agency, known as Section K―all while trying to be a good suburban dad. Suddenly, Sam is approached by a fellow spy with an incredible revelation: Markus Bolt is missing. Bolt is the last American traitor, who had turned over allied agent names and military secrets to the Russians. He fled to Moscow when he was discovered, but now a trusted source inside Russia tells Section K that Markus Bolt has vanished from Moscow―and the Americans need to find him before the Russians do. Sam is charged with making contact with Bolt's abandoned American daughter, Amanda, a
